Selective Angular Positioning of the Crank of an Elliptical

ABSTRACT

An exercise machine includes a frame pivotally connected to a stationary horizontal base. A first foot pedal and a second foot pedal are attached to the frame and arranged to travel along reciprocating paths. The exercise machine also includes a resistance mechanism connected to the frame and arranged to resist movement of the first foot pedal and the second foot pedal along the reciprocating paths. An angling mechanism is arranged to selectively angle the frame by pivoting the frame with respect to the stationary horizontal base.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to provisional Patent Application No. 61/922,660 titled “Selective Angular Positioning of the Crank of an Elliptical” filed Dec. 31, 2013. This application is herein incorporated by reference for all that it discloses.

BACKGROUND

Aerobic exercise is a popular form of exercise that improves one's cardiovascular health by reducing blood pressure and providing other benefits to the human body. Aerobic exercise generally involves low intensity physical exertion over a long duration of time. Typically, the human body can adequately supply enough oxygen to meet the body's demands at the intensity levels involved with aerobic exercise. Popular forms of aerobic exercise include running, jogging, swimming, and cycling among other types of aerobic exercise. In contrast, anaerobic exercise typically involves high intensity exercises over a short duration of time. Popular forms of aerobic exercise include strength training and short distance running.

Many choose to perform aerobic exercises indoors, such as in a gym or their home. Often, a user will use an aerobic exercise machine to have an aerobic workout indoors. One such type of aerobic exercise machine is an elliptical exercise machine, which often includes foot supports that move in reciprocating directions when moved by the feet of a user. Often, the foot supports will be mechanically linked to arm levers that can be held by the user during the workout. The arm levers and foot supports move together and collectively provide resistance against the user's motion during the user's workout. Other popular exercise machines that allow a user to perform aerobic exercises indoors include treadmills, rowing machines, stepper machines, and stationary bikes to name a few.

One type of elliptical exercise machine is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,047,968 issued to Brian C. Stewart. In this reference, an apparatus and method permitting a user to perform simulated climbing and full body exercise is provided. The design includes a frame and a pair of lever arms and a pair of foot platforms and a torso support. The frame is configured to place the operator's center of gravity in a position of falling away from the frame, lever arms, foot platforms and providing a torso support enabling the operator to be supported by hanging from the hands and supported by the feet and torso support. The frame may be rotated through varying angles from vertical permitting the operator's center of gravity to fall away from the frame and allow the operator to hang away from the frame further enhancing the climbing experience. Other types of elliptical exercise machines are described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,618,350 issued to William T. Dalebout and U.S. Patent Publication No. 2012/0190508 issued to Scott Watterson.

SUMMARY

In one aspect of the invention, an exercise machine includes a frame pivotally connected to a stationary horizontal base.

In one aspect of the invention, the exercise machine may further include a first foot pedal and a second foot pedal that are movably attached to the frame and arranged to travel along reciprocating paths.

In one aspect of the invention, the exercise machine may further include a resistance mechanism connected to the frame and arranged to resist movement of the first foot pedal and the second foot pedal along the reciprocating paths.

In one aspect of the invention, the exercise machine may further include an angling mechanism arranged to selectively change an incline angle formed between the frame and the stationary horizontal base by pivoting the frame with respect to the stationary horizontal base.

In one aspect of the invention, the angling mechanism is in communication with an electronic control module arranged to change the incline angle based on user input.

In one aspect of the invention, the frame comprises a first post pivotally connected to a first side of the stationary horizontal base at a first frame pivot connection and a second post pivotally connected to a second side of the stationary horizontal base at a second frame pivot connection.

In one aspect of the invention, the first post is connected to the first foot pedal through a first flywheel and the second post is connected to the second foot pedal through a second flywheel.

In one aspect of the invention, the first flywheel is positioned proximate the first frame pivot connection along the first post and the second flywheel is positioned proximate the second frame pivot connection along the second post.

In one aspect of the invention, the first flywheel and the second flywheel are arranged to move with the frame as the frame is pivoted with respect to the stationary horizontal base.

In one aspect of the invention, the first foot pedal is mechanically linked to a first arm support and the second foot pedal is mechanically linked to a second arm support wherein the first arm support and the second arm support move in a reciprocating motion as the first foot pedal and the second foot pedal travel along the reciprocating paths wherein the first arm support and the second arm support are pivotally connected to the frame.

In one aspect of the invention, the first arm support and the second arm support are arranged to move with the frame as the frame is pivoted with respect to the stationary horizontal base.

In one aspect of the invention, the first foot pedal and the second foot pedal are connected through a crank arm.

In one aspect of the invention, the crank arm is arranged to move with the frame as the frame is pivoted with respect to the stationary horizontal base.

In one aspect of the invention, the angling mechanism has a limited range about which the angling mechanism is capable of pivoting the frame.

In one aspect of the invention, the exercise machine may further include a control module that is secured to the frame and includes an incline controller arranged to adjust an angle formed between the stationary horizontal base and the frame based on user input.

In one aspect of the invention, the angling mechanism is an actuator positioned to push the frame relative to the stationary horizontal base.

In one aspect of the invention, the first foot pedal is movable along a first track connected to the first arm support and the second foot pedal is movable along a second track connected to the second arm support.

In one aspect of the invention, the first track and the second track are arranged to move with the frame as the frame is pivoted with respect to the stationary horizontal base.

In one aspect of the invention, the exercise machine may further include a flywheel that is arranged to move with respect to the stationary horizontal base as the frame moves with respect to the stationary horizontal base.

In one aspect of the invention, the exercise machine may further include a frame pivotally connected to a stationary horizontal base.

In one aspect of the invention, the exercise machine may further include a first foot pedal and a second foot pedal that are movably attached to the frame and arranged to travel along reciprocating paths.

In one aspect of the invention, the first foot pedal is mechanically linked to a first arm support and the second foot pedal is mechanically linked to a second arm support wherein the first arm support and the second arm support move in a reciprocating motion as the first foot pedal and the second foot pedal travel along the reciprocating paths wherein the first arm support and the second arm support are pivotally connected to the frame.

In one aspect of the invention, the exercise machine may further include a resistance mechanism connected to the frame and arranged to resist movement of the first foot pedal and the second foot pedal along the reciprocating paths.

In one aspect of the invention, the exercise machine may further include an angling mechanism arranged to selectively change an incline angle formed between the frame and the stationary horizontal base by pivoting the frame with respect to the stationary horizontal base.

In one aspect of the invention, the first arm support and the second arm support are arranged to move with the frame as the frame is pivoted with respect to the stationary horizontal base.

In one aspect of the invention, the resistance mechanism comprises a flywheel mechanically linked to at least one of the first foot pedal and the second foot pedal and arranged to move with respect to the stationary horizontal base as the frame moves with respect to the stationary horizontal base.

In one aspect of the invention, the angling mechanism is in communication with an electronic control module arranged to change the incline angle stationary horizontal based on user input.

In one aspect of the invention, the exercise machine may further include a control module that is secured to the frame and includes an incline controller arranged to cause adjustments to an angle formed between the stationary horizontal base and the frame stationary horizontal based on user input.

In one aspect of the invention, the first foot pedal and the second foot pedal are connected through a crank arm and the crank arm is arranged to move with the frame as the frame is pivoted with respect to the stationary horizontal base.

In one aspect of the invention, the first foot pedal is movable along a first track connected to the first arm support and the second foot pedal is movable along a second track connected to the second arm support and the first track and the second track are arranged to move with the frame as the frame is pivoted with respect to the stationary horizontal base.

In one aspect of the invention, the angling mechanism is positioned to push the frame relative to the stationary horizontal base.

In one aspect of the invention, the exercise machine may further include a frame connected to a stationary horizontal base.

In one aspect of the invention, the frame has a first post pivotally connected to a first side of the stationary horizontal base at a first frame pivot connection and a second post pivotally connected to a second side of the stationary horizontal base at a second frame pivot connection.

In one aspect of the invention, the exercise machine may further include a first foot pedal and a second foot pedal that are movably attached to the frame and arranged to travel along reciprocating paths.

In one aspect of the invention, the first post is connected to the first foot pedal through a first flywheel and the second post is connected to the second foot pedal through a second flywheel.

In one aspect of the invention, the first flywheel is positioned proximate the first frame pivot connection along the first post and the second flywheel is positioned proximate the second frame pivot connection along the second post.

In one aspect of the invention, the first foot pedal is mechanically linked to a first arm support and the second foot pedal is mechanically linked to a second arm support wherein the first arm support and the second arm support move in a reciprocating motion as the first foot pedal and the second foot pedal travel along the reciprocating paths wherein the first arm support and the second arm support are pivotally connected to the frame.

In one aspect of the invention, the first foot pedal and the second foot pedal are connected through a crank arm.

In one aspect of the invention, the first foot pedal is movable along a first track connected to the first arm support and the second foot pedal is movable along a second track connected to the second arm support.

In one aspect of the invention, the exercise machine may further include an angling mechanism arranged to selectively angle the frame by pivoting the frame with respect to the stationary horizontal base.

In one aspect of the invention, the first flywheel, the second flywheel, the first arm support, the second arm support, the crank arm, the first track, and the second track are arranged to collectively move with the frame as the frame is pivoted with respect to the stationary horizontal base.

Any of the aspects of the invention detailed above may be combined with any other aspect of the invention detailed herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings illustrate various embodiments of the present apparatus and are a part of the specification. The illustrated embodiments are merely examples of the present apparatus and do not limit the scope thereof.

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an example of an exercise machine in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of the exercise machine of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the exercise machine of FIG. 1 with a frame rotated up with respect to a stationary horizontal base.

FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of the exercise machine of FIG. 1 with a frame rotated up with respect to a stationary horizontal base.

FIG. 5 illustrates a view of an example of a pivot connection in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 illustrates a view of an example of a pivot connection in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 illustrates a cross sectional view of an example of a frame in accordance with the present disclosure.

Throughout the drawings, identical reference numbers designate similar, but not necessarily identical, elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

An exercise machine, such as an elliptical exercise machine, includes foot pedals that are mechanically linked together. Such foot pedals are often mechanically linked to arm supports that move with the foot pedals of the elliptical exercise machine. Thus, when any of either the foot pedals or either of the arm supports move, each of the foot pedals and each of the arm supports also move. As a result, when a user moves any of these components, each of these components move together.

A user can stand on the foot pedals and move his or her feet along a reciprocating path traveled by the foot pedals while moving the arm supports back and forth. A user gets an increased workout when the collective movement of the foot pedals and arm supports is resisted. Often, the resistance to the foot pedal's movement is adjustable. Such resistance may be achieved through any appropriate mechanism. In some examples, a magnetic unit is positioned near a flywheel such that a magnetic force of the magnetic unit resists the movement of the flywheel. To adjust the magnetic resistance force, the magnetic unit may be moved closer to or away from the flywheel. In alternative examples, the magnetic force is proportional to electrical energy applied to the magnetic unit, and the strength of the magnetic field can be adjusted by applying a different level of electrical energy to the flywheel. In yet other examples, tensioning units, compression pads, pneumatic mechanisms, other mechanisms, or combinations thereof are adjusted to change the resistance.

In lieu of or in addition to the resistance mechanism described above, a workout of an exercise machine may be changed by adjusting an incline of the paths traveled by the foot pedals. The principles described in the present disclosure include an exercise machine where the frame of the exercise machine can pivot with respect to a stationary horizontal base of the exercise machine. As a result, each of the components that are attached to the frame will pivot with the frame. For example, if the flywheel, foot pedals, arm supports, and other components of the exercise machine are attached to the frame, the flywheel, foot pedals, and arm supports also move as the frame pivots. As the frame pivots with respect to the stationary horizontal base, the angle between the stationary horizontal base and the frame changes. The flywheel, foot pedals, and arm supports are moved to corresponding angles with the frame. In situations where the resulting angle causes an increased incline between the frame and the stationary horizontal base, the user may experience an increase in the difficulty of the workout. In some examples, the user may desire to change the incline angle to target different muscle groups.

For purposes of the present disclosure, the term “resistance mechanism” includes those components that directly interact to cause an added degree of resistance during the user's workout. For example, a resistance mechanism may include a flywheel when the exercise machine has components that can adjustably impose resistance to the movement of the flywheel, such as imposing a magnetic force on the flywheel to prevent the flywheel's rotation. The flywheel is included in the resistance mechanism when other components interact with the flywheel to directly resist the flywheel's movement. For example, braking pads, tensioning elements, fan blades, or other components can be used to directly resist the movement of the flywheel. In such examples, both the flywheel and the components interact to adjustably resist the movement of the flywheel and are included as part of the resistance mechanism.

For purposes of the present disclosure, the term “stationary exercise machine” include exercise machines that do not propel the exercise machine or otherwise change a location of the user of the exercise machine based on the effort exerted by the user during his or her workout. Such stationary exercise machines may change the incline of the machine or otherwise change the location of the machine based on motors, drivers, actuators, hydraulic systems, or other mechanism that operate independent of the user's workout performance. For example, such functions may be operable by commands given by the user, such as selecting an option through a control module of the stationary exercise machine.

Particularly, with reference to the figures, FIGS. 1-2 depict an example of an exercise machine 10, such as an elliptical exercise machine. In the example of FIG. 1, the exercise machine is a stationary exercise machine, however, other types of exercise machines may be used in accordance with the principles described herein. The exercise machine 10 includes a base 12 that is attached to a frame 14 at a first frame pivot connection 11 and a second frame pivot connection 13. A lower portion 15 of the frame 14 includes a housing 16 that supports a first flywheel 18 and a second flywheel 20. The first flywheel 18 and the second flywheel 20 are attached to one another through a crank assembly 22. The crank assembly 22 includes a crank arm 24 that is attached to a first shaft 26 that is connected to the first flywheel 18 on a first end 28 and attached to a second shaft 30 that is connected to the second flywheel 20 at a second end 32.

The stationary horizontal base 12 may be any appropriate base in accordance with the principles described in the present disclosure. In some examples, the stationary horizontal base 12 is flat and has a center of gravity that is close to a floor or other type of foundation upon which the exercise machine 10 resides. The stationary horizontal base 12 may be made of a continuous beam of metal with a curvature such that multiple portions of the continuous beam are positioned to make the first and second frame pivot connections 11, 13 with the lower portion 15 of the frame 14. In other examples, cross bars connect the multiple portions of the stationary horizontal base 12. In some examples, the frame includes just horizontally positioned beams that are aligned with the floor or another type of foundation. In yet other examples, the stationary horizontal base 12 may include a vertical support member that is intended to carry a vertical load. In some examples, the first and second frame pivot connections 11, 13 are formed in a midsection 17 or rear section of the horizontally positioned beams of the stationary horizontal base 12.

The first shaft 26 is attached to an underside of a first track 33 that supports a first foot pedal 34, and the second shaft 30 is attached to an underside of a second track 35 that supports a second foot pedal 36. The crank assembly 22 is shaped such that the first shaft 26 and the second shaft 30 follow reciprocating paths. Consequently, the first foot pedal 34 follows the path of the first shaft 26, and the second foot pedal 36 follows the path of the second shaft 30. As a user stands on the first foot pedal 34 and the second foot pedal 36 for a workout, the user's feet also follow the reciprocating paths of the first foot pedal 34 and the second foot pedal 36. In some examples, the first foot pedal 34 is slidable along the length of the first track 33. Likewise, the second foot pedal 36 may be slidable along the length of the second track 35. Thus, in some examples, the first foot pedal 34 and the second foot pedal 36 are movable in multiple directions: down the length of the tracks and with the reciprocating paths defined by the travel of the first shaft 26 and the second shaft 30.

The first foot pedal 34 is connected to a first arm support 38 through a first mechanical linkage 40, and the second foot pedal 36 is connected to a second arm support 42 through a second mechanical linkage 44. The first arm support 38 is connected to the frame 14 at a first arm pivot connection 46, and the second arm support 42 is connected to the frame 14 at a second arm pivot connection 48. In the example of FIGS. 1-2, the first mechanical linkage 40 includes a first bottom section 50 of the first arm support 38 connected to a first far end 52 of the first track 33 at a first joint 54. Likewise, the second mechanical linkage 44 may include a second bottom section 56 of the second arm support 42 connected to a second far end 58 of the second track 35 at a second joint 60.

A control module 62 is connected to a cross bar 64 that connects a first post 66 of the frame 14 to a second post 68 of the frame 14. The control module 62 may include multiple buttons 70, a display 72, a cooling vent, a speaker, another device, or combinations thereof. The control module 62 can include a resistance input mechanism 76 that allows the user to control how much resistance is applied to the movement of the first foot pedal 34, the second foot pedal 36, the first arm support 38, and the second arm support 42. The control module 62 may also provide the user with an ability to control other functions of the exercise machine 10. For example, the control module 62 may be used to control a level of a climate control, to control an incline angle between the frame 14 and the stationary horizontal base 12, to control speaker volume, to select a preprogrammed workout, to control entertainment through the speakers of the display 72 of the control module 62, to monitor a health parameter of the user during a workout, to communicate with a remote trainer or computer, to control other functions, or combinations thereof.

FIGS. 3-4 illustrate an example of the exercise machine 10 with a frame 14 rotated up with respect to the stationary horizontal base 12. In this example, the first and second flywheels 18, 20, the first and second tracks 33, 35, the first and second arm supports 38, 42, and the first and second foot pedals 34, 36 all change their incline with respect to the stationary horizontal base 12 as the frame 14 forms a new angle with the stationary horizontal base 12. In some embodiments, the entire functional portion of the exercise machine 10 rotates about a rotational axis 78 formed by the first and second frame pivot connections 11, 13 with the frame 14 to reach a new incline.

The change in angle allows the user to change the difficulty of the workout and/or target different muscle groups by changing the user's incline with respect to the floor or other foundation upon which the exercise machine 10 resides. The angle change drives an incline change. Thus, in examples where the user is positioned on the foot pedals 34, 36 when the frame 14 pivots about the first and second frame pivot connections 11, 13, the incline of the user with respect to the floor changes. However, the user remains in an upright position. The increased difficulty caused by the angle change may result from a length of the foot pedals 34, 36, the tracks 33, 35, or other components of the exercise machine 10 becoming more aligned with a gravitational pull. Thus, an increased amount of gravitational resistance is imposed on the user.

In some examples, the first and second foot pedals 34. 36 are movably attached to the first and second tracks 33, 35 respectively so that the foot pedals 34, 36 can slide along the length of the tracks 33, 35. In such examples, the rotary position of the crank assembly 22 can be locked so that the foot pedals 34, 36 do not travel in circular paths while sliding along the length of the tracks 33, 35. Such an exercise can mimic cross country skiing In such an example, a resistance mechanism can be incorporated into the tracks 33, 35 to add resistance to the sliding motion of the foot pedals 34, 36. Such a resistance mechanism may be positioned on the underside of the tracks 33, 35. By changing the angle between the frame 14 and the stationary horizontal base 12, a workout that includes sliding the foot pedals 34, 36 along the length of the tracks 33, 35 may be become more difficult, easier, or target different muscle groups.

In some situations, the foot pedals 34, 36 are locked with respect to the tracks 33, 35 such that the user cannot slide the foot pedals 34, 36 along the tracks' lengths. In such situations, the crank assembly 22 may be free to rotate such that the foot pedals 34, 36 can move along reciprocating paths that include circular motion. In such an example, a change in the angular position of the frame 14 with respect to the stationary horizontal base 12 also changes the angle of these reciprocating paths that incorporate circular motion. Such changes in the angles of the reciprocating paths can also change the workout such that the workout becomes more difficult, easier, or targets different muscle groups.

The stationary horizontal base 12 may remain in the same angular orientation when the frame 14 pivots with respect to the stationary horizontal base 12. In such an example, the angular orientation of the stationary horizontal base 12 remains constant regardless of the angle of the frame 14. The length of the stationary horizontal base 12 may be aligned with a length of the function portion of the exercise machine 10. As the frame 14 pivots with respect to the stationary horizontal base 12 a distance between a rear portion of the exercise machine's functional portion and a rear portion of the stationary horizontal base 12 may increase or decrease depending on the direction that the frame 14 is pivoting. In some examples when the frame 14 is pivoted upwards, the entire weight of the functional portion of the exercise machine (e.g. minus the weight of the stationary horizontal base 12) is loaded to pivot connections that are in the front portion of the exercise machine 10.

FIG. 5 illustrates a view of an example of a second frame pivot connection 13 in accordance with the present disclosure. In this example, the second frame pivot connection 13 includes a pivot rod 82 that connects the stationary horizontal base 12 to the frame 14. The frame 14 includes a housing 16 that supports the second flywheel 20. The second post 68 is depicted contacting the housing 16. The frame 14 can pivot about the pivot rod 82 to change the angle between the frame 14 and the stationary horizontal base 12 as illustrated in FIG. 6. Preferably, as the second frame pivot connection 13 changes the angle between the frame 14 and the stationary horizontal base 12, the first frame pivot connection 11 also changes its angle by the same amount.

FIG. 7 illustrates a cross sectional view of an example of a frame 14 in accordance with the present disclosure. In this example, the housing 16 is partially cut away to illustrate the frame structure within the housing 16. The angling mechanism 84 is used to change the angle of the frame 14 relative to the stationary horizontal base 12. The second post 68 of the frame 14 includes a piston connection 86 where the angling mechanism 84 can push the second post 68 to change the angle.

The angling mechanism 84 can be arranged such that a piston 88 of the angling mechanism 84 can move along the length of the angling mechanism. As the piston 88 extends, the piston 88 pushes against the piston connection 86 on a single side of the second post 68 such that the side of the second post 68 moves up with the piston 88. However, the second frame pivot connection 13 acts as a fulcrum about which the second post 68 pivots. As a result, the incline angle of the functional portion of the exercise machine 10 increases and the angle between the frame 14 and the stationary horizontal base 12 also changes. As the piston 88 retracts, the single side of the second post 68 moves down with the piston 88 and causes the incline angle of the functional portion of the exercise machine 10 to decrease.

The piston connection 86 may be integrally formed in the second post 68. In alternative examples, the piston connection 86 is formed by an attachment connected to the second post 68. Further, the angling mechanism 84 may be positioned to move the second post 68, the first post 66, another portion of the frame 14, or combinations thereof. The angling mechanism 84 may be arranged to move the frame 14 any appropriate number of degrees. The range that the angling mechanism 84 is capable of inclining the frame 14 with respect to the stationary horizontal base may be a limited range. For example, the angling mechanism 84 may be arranged to move the frame up to 60 degrees, up to 45 degrees, up to 35 degrees, up to 25 degrees, up to 10 degrees, up to another number of degrees, up to degrees there between, or combinations thereof.

Any appropriate type of angling mechanism 84 may be used in accordance with the principles described in the present disclosure. For example, the angling mechanism 84 may include a hydraulically driven piston, a pneumatically driven piston, a rotatable piston that moves vertically based on a thread form, another type of piston, a linear actuator, a solenoid, or combinations thereof. In other examples, the angling mechanism 84 does not use a piston. Such examples my use motors, cables, thread forms, non-linear actuators, magnetic forces, electric forces, hydraulic pressures, pneumatic pressures, other types of pressures, gears, screw motors, other types of angling mechanisms, or combinations thereof. In addition to being capable of producing a force sufficient to change the angle between the stationary horizontal base 12 and the frame 14, the angling mechanism 84 may also include an ability to maintain the angle. For example, the angling mechanism 84 may be able to hold the weight of the frame 14 in the angled position while the user works out on the exercise machine 10. Further, while the example of FIG. 7 has been described with reference to the angling mechanism 84 being located outside of the housing 16, the angling mechanism 84 may be positioned inside the housing 16 in alternative examples.

The user may cause the angle between the frame 14 and the stationary horizontal base 12 to change with any appropriate mechanism. For example, the control module 62 may include a button, a lever, a touch screen, or another type of mechanism that can be used to receive input from the user about the user's desired angle. In such examples, the user may select any appropriate angle within a range of angles that the exercise machine 10 is capable of producing. In other examples, such an input mechanism is incorporated into first arm support 38, the second arm support 42, another portion of the frame 14, or combinations thereof. In some examples, a program of a remote device, such as a phone, a laptop, an electronic tablet, a desktop, another type of mobile device, or combinations thereof may be used to control the angle between the frame 14 and the stationary horizontal base 12 wirelessly. In yet other examples, the exercise machine 10 may respond to audible or voice recognized commands to change the angle.

As the angle between the stationary horizontal base 12 and the frame 14 change, the exercise machine's center of gravity may also change. The stationary horizontal base 12 may have a shape that is capable of supporting the weight of the frame 14 over multiple positions with different centers of gravity. For example, the stationary horizontal base 12 may have a length that is sufficient to support differing centers of gravity. Further, the stationary horizontal base 12 may be made of any appropriate type of material that is capable of supporting the frame and associated components over multiple positions.

While the examples above have been described with reference to exercise machines that specifically have multiple flywheels, the exercise machine may include any number of flywheels. For example, the principles described in the present disclosure can be applied to exercise machines that incorporate just a single flywheel or no flywheel at all. Further, while the examples above have been described with specific reference to an elliptical exercise machine that provides a user the ability to both work out by sliding the foot pedals and rotating the crank assembly, the principles described in the present disclosure can be applied to exercise machines that provide just one of these types of aforementioned workouts. Further, while the examples above have been described with reference to elliptical machines, any appropriate type of exercise machine may incorporate the principles described in the present disclosure.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

In general, the invention disclosed herein may provide a user the advantage of targeting different muscle groups during a workout or adjusting the difficulty of a workout. This may be accomplished by changing the angle between the frame and the stationary horizontal base of the exercise machine. When the frame's angle relative to the stationary horizontal base is changed such that the incline of the functional portion of the exercise machine increases, the difficulty of the workout increases for the user. Likewise, when the frame's angle relative to the stationary horizontal base changes such that the incline decreases, the difficultly of the workout is reduced.

The principles described in the present disclosure can be applied to any appropriate type of exercise machine. For example, these principles may be applied to an elliptical machine, a stationary bike, a striding machine, a stepper machine, another type of exercise machine, or combinations thereof. Further, these principles are well suited for elliptical machines with a single flywheel, no flywheel, or multiple flywheels.

The entire functional portion of the exercise machine may rotate with the frame as the frame changes position relative to the stationary horizontal base. For example, the arm supports, foot pedals, mechanical linkages, tracks, flywheels, resistance mechanisms, crank assemblies, and other components of the exercise machine may move with the frame as the frame changes positions.

Further, the user may control the angle between the frame and the stationary horizontal base with an incline controller that is located in a convenient location. For example, the convenient location may be within an arm's reach of the user while the user is standing in an upright position on the foot pedals, such as in an arm support or the control module. In other examples, the incline controller is incorporated in a position that is convenient for the user while the user is standing adjacent to the exercise machine.

In some examples, the angling mechanism has a capability of producing forces that are sufficient to change the angle between the frame and the stationary horizontal base as well as maintain that angle. In other examples, the angling mechanism is capable of changing the angle while another mechanism is used to maintain that angle. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An exercise machine, comprising: a stationary horizontal base; a frame pivotally connected to the stationary horizontal base; a first foot pedal and a second foot pedal are movably attached to the frame and arranged to travel along reciprocating paths; a resistance mechanism connected to the frame and arranged to resist movement of the first foot pedal and the second foot pedal along the reciprocating paths; an angling mechanism arranged to selectively change an incline angle formed between the frame and the stationary horizontal base by pivoting the frame with respect to the stationary horizontal base; and the angling mechanism being in communication with an electronic control module arranged to change the incline angle based on user input.
 2. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the frame comprises a first post pivotally connected to a first side of the stationary horizontal base at a first frame pivot connection and a second post pivotally connected to a second side of the stationary horizontal base at a second frame pivot connection.
 3. The exercise machine of claim 2, wherein the first post is connected to the first foot pedal through a first flywheel and the second post is connected to the second foot pedal through a second flywheel.
 4. The exercise machine of claim 3, wherein the first flywheel is positioned proximate the first frame pivot connection along the first post and the second flywheel is positioned proximate the second frame pivot connection along the second post.
 5. The exercise machine of claim 4, wherein the first flywheel and the second flywheel are arranged to move with the frame as the frame is pivoted with respect to the stationary horizontal base.
 6. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the first foot pedal is mechanically linked to a first arm support and the second foot pedal is mechanically linked to a second arm support wherein the first arm support and the second arm support move in a reciprocating motion as the first foot pedal and the second foot pedal travel along the reciprocating paths wherein the first arm support and the second arm support are pivotally connected to the frame.
 7. The exercise machine of claim 6, wherein the first arm support and the second arm support are arranged to move with the frame as the frame is pivoted with respect to the stationary horizontal base.
 8. The exercise machine of claim 6, wherein the first foot pedal is movable along a first track connected to the first arm support and the second foot pedal is movable along a second track connected to the second arm support.
 9. The exercise machine of claim 8, wherein the first track and the second track are arranged to move with the frame as the frame is pivoted with respect to the stationary horizontal base.
 10. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the first foot pedal and the second foot pedal are connected through a crank arm.
 11. The exercise machine of claim 10, wherein the crank arm is arranged to move with the frame as the frame is pivoted with respect to the stationary horizontal base.
 12. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the angling mechanism has a limited range about which the angling mechanism is capable of pivoting the frame.
 13. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the angling mechanism is an actuator positioned to push the frame relative to the stationary horizontal base.
 14. The exercise machine of claim 1, further comprising a flywheel that is arranged to move with respect to the stationary horizontal base as the frame moves with respect to the stationary horizontal base.
 15. An exercise machine, comprising: a frame pivotally connected to a stationary horizontal base; a first foot pedal and a second foot pedal are movably attached to the frame and arranged to travel along reciprocating paths; the first foot pedal is mechanically linked to a first arm support and the second foot pedal is mechanically linked to a second arm support wherein the first arm support and the second arm support move in a reciprocating motion as the first foot pedal and the second foot pedal travel along the reciprocating paths wherein the first arm support and the second arm support are pivotally connected to the frame; a resistance mechanism connected to the frame and arranged to resist movement of the first foot pedal and the second foot pedal along the reciprocating paths; an angling mechanism arranged to selectively change an incline angle formed between the frame and the stationary horizontal base by pivoting the frame with respect to the stationary horizontal base; the first arm support and the second arm support are arranged to move with the frame as the frame is pivoted with respect to the stationary horizontal base; the resistance mechanism comprising a flywheel mechanically linked to at least one of the first foot pedal and the second foot pedal and arranged to move with respect to the stationary horizontal base as the frame moves with respect to the stationary horizontal base; and the angling mechanism being in communication with an electronic control module arranged to change the incline angle based on user input.
 16. The exercise machine of claim 15, wherein a control module is secured to the frame and includes an incline controller causes adjustments to an angle formed between the stationary horizontal base and the frame based on user input.
 17. The exercise machine of claim 15, wherein the first foot pedal and the second foot pedal are connected through a crank arm and the crank arm is arranged to move with the frame as the frame is pivoted with respect to the stationary horizontal base.
 18. The exercise machine of claim 15, wherein the first foot pedal is movable along a first track connected to the first arm support and the second foot pedal is movable along a second track connected to the second arm support and the first track and the second track are arranged to move with the frame as the frame is pivoted with respect to the stationary horizontal base.
 19. The exercise machine of claim 15, wherein the angling mechanism is positioned to push the frame relative to the stationary horizontal base.
 20. An exercise machine, comprising: a frame connected to a stationary horizontal base; the frame comprises a first post pivotally connected to a first side of the stationary horizontal base at a first frame pivot connection and a second post pivotally connected to a second side of the stationary horizontal base at a second frame pivot connection; a first foot pedal and a second foot pedal are movably attached to the frame and arranged to travel along reciprocating paths; the first post is connected to the first foot pedal through a first flywheel and the second post is connected to the second foot pedal through a second flywheel; the first flywheel is positioned proximate the first frame pivot connection along the first post and the second flywheel is positioned proximate the second frame pivot connection along the second post; the first foot pedal is mechanically linked to a first arm support and the second foot pedal is mechanically linked to a second arm support wherein the first arm support and the second arm support move in a reciprocating motion as the first foot pedal and the second foot pedal travel along the reciprocating paths wherein the first arm support and the second arm support are pivotally connected to the frame; the first foot pedal and the second foot pedal are connected through a crank arm; the first foot pedal is movable along a first track connected to the first arm support and the second foot pedal is movable along a second track connected to the second arm support; an angling mechanism arranged to selectively angle the frame by pivoting the frame with respect to the stationary horizontal base; and the first flywheel, the second flywheel, the first arm support, the second arm support, the crank arm, the first track, and the second track are arranged to collectively move with the frame as the frame is pivoted with respect to the stationary horizontal base. 